SPT licenses 'The Nanny' in Korea

Original series aired in 1993, Asian production in Indonesia

HONG KONG – Sony Pictures Television has pacted with local firm Sunjin Entertainment to produce a Korean version of its Emmy-winning sitcom "The Nanny."

The deal, believed to be the first of its kind in South Korea for a Hollywood studio arm, foresees the two working on other localized content adapted from SPTs extensive catalog.

The series, about a woman thrust into nannying despite her unconventional style and no-nonsense honesty, originally aired in the U.S. in 1993 starring Fran Drescher. The format has since been the local language treatment in Poland, Russia, Turkey, Greece and four Latin American territories. Its only localization to date in Asia is Indonesia.

"We see a lot of opportunities in Korea, and we hope 'The Nanny' will be the first of many," said Christoph Pachler, SPT's senior vice president, strategy and operations.

"The incredible local talent in Korea and the sophistication of the Korean television market will make this the first of many successful collaborations," said Sunjin president Lee Yun-Kyung.

Sunjin and SPT are taking part Friday in a trade delegation to Los Angeles organized by the Korean Trade Development Council.